POLOKWANE – Hatlani Malumbete, a learner from Noorderland High School, has returned with a fresh perspective on the world after participating in the 2024 Global Stem Academies organised by the AFS Intercultural Programmes. Selected from over 6 000 applicants, Malumbete was among 150 learners worldwide chosen for this prestigious programme.

Departing on July 6, Malumbete arrived in China on July 7, where he was immediately struck by the intense heat.

“People think Africa is hot, but Asia is on another level. It is very hot,” he remarked.

Once acclimated, he said he was introduced to the other participants and Chinese guides at a hotel.

The group received an orientation to Chinese culture and basic language training, followed by icebreaker activities to help everyone get acquainted.

A day later, the participants met their host families and journeyed to Shanghai for a week.

In Shanghai, they visited schools and universities to delve into the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem).

“It was a bit intimidating being in a room full of smart people from all over the world,” Malumbete told Review.

The next phase of the trip took them to Ningbo, a city south of Shanghai, where they stayed for eight days.

They attended lectures in physical sciences, chemistry, and IT at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China.

“The lectures were intense, but I enjoyed the experience,” Malumbete said. The group also explored local cuisine, discovering new flavours such as noodles and dumplings, that differed significantly from those in South Africa, he said. “Another surprise was the prevalence of flavoured milk over fizzy drinks.”

Their final destination was Chan’gou, where they spent 10 days with new host families.

The city’s milder climate provided a welcome change. Activities included learning to play musical instruments and visiting various educational institutions.

The highlight of the trip was the graduation day, where Malumbete and his peers received their certificates.

“My favourite part was graduation day,” he said.

Reflecting on the journey, Malumbete described it as an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience that profoundly changed his outlook.

He appreciated the diverse cultural encounters and the new perspectives gained.

“I learned so much from my time in China. The diversity there was almost tangible, and as a black person, I noticed that the Chinese were fascinated by my appearance. They often took photos and touched my skin,” he said.

Despite his initial fears of homesickness, Malumbete found himself so engrossed in the experience that he never felt homesick.

His adventure in China has been a transformative experience, one he highly recommends to others seeking to broaden their horizons.